Ford has announced that it will be applying a software update to its hybrid vehicles with the intention of improving the real world fuel efficiency for owners. The software update will be made available for approximately 77,000 Ford Fusion, C-Max, and Lincoln MKZ hybrid vehicles.

The update will also be made available for all 2014 model year hybrids. Ford has said that the update will "reduce the variability in MPG" many owners see. The update will help optimize active grill shutters to reduce aerodynamic drag, and increase the electric-only top speed from 62 mph to 85 mph among other things.

The software update is a response to owners of Ford hybrid vehicles who have complained they can't achieve the 47 mpg average promised by the EPA.

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

Ford hybrid owners over at Fuelly.com have reported real world combined ratings of 40 mpg and 41 mpg respectively for the C-Max and Fusion. This is well short of Ford’s claimed 47 mpg combined rating for the two hybrids.

Ford claims that many of the complaints of poor fuel efficiency have come from owners in the Midwest. Some of the issue for these owners is linked to the colder climate and higher speed limits, both factors that can negatively impact hybrid fuel efficiency. The software update will not change window sticker fuel economy ratings according to Ford and the EPA is aware of the new software.

Ford is currently fighting lawsuits over the fuel efficiency claims after some of its hybrid vehicles were unable to achieve the promised fuel efficiency. The C-Max and Fusion hybrids have been criticized for not being able to meet fuel efficiency claims in real world consumer and third-party tests.